20-lead QFN package offers complement to revolutionary die counterpart
San Diego, California, November 19, 2004 — Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation, a leading supplier of high-performance RF CMOS and mixed-signal communications ICs, today announced the availability of the PE4268 SP6T RF antenna switch, a packaged complement to the PE4263 die announced last month. The PE4268 switch provides a unique, high-performance solution to the quad-band GSM handset Antenna Switch Module (ASM) market by offering high power at 41 dBm P1dB; high linearity of 65 dBm IP3; and monolithic integration of key elements including a control logic decoder and driver. This high-power device, developed on the Company’s patented UltraCMOS™ process technology, advances the cellular phone industry past traditional roadblocks in performance and size, enabling new roadmaps to be drawn for next generation multi-band wireless devices. With the introduction of these new devices, a CMOS-based IC can be directly connected to the antenna of a GSM handset for the first time.
Peregrine’s 50-Ohm PE4268 device provides superior performance, lower insertion loss, smaller footprint and higher integration to alternative pin-diode or pHEMT-based designs. This innovative 2.6V RF switch operates from 100 – 3000 MHz and provides many extraordinary features, including 1500 V ESD tolerance at all ports; no blocking capacitors; 45 dB of isolation; low insertion loss of 0.55 dB at 915 MHz; and fast switch settling time.
“Since their recent introduction, Peregrine’s multi-band GSM handset switches have had a remarkable market reception,” stated Jim Cable, president and CEO of Peregrine Semiconductor. “The PE4268 QFN packaged version now offers this innovative product in a form that can be used in a variety of wireless applications,” he added.
The PE4268 is slated for high-volume production in multiple facilities, including those of Peregrine’s strategic partner, OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan). The device is priced at $0.94 ea. (10K units), and is available in a 4×4 20-lead QFN package from Peregrine and its global distribution partner, Richardson Electronics.
Peregrine is known for its high-performance RF CMOS IC products which are ideally suited for a wide range of market segments, including Wireless Infrastructure and Mobile Wireless; Global Positioning (GPS); Optical; Broadband and Military/Space applications. The Company’s innovative CMOS process — UltraCMOS™ — combines the RF, mixed-signal, and digital capabilities of any other CMOS process, yet tolerates the incredibly high power required for high-performance wireless applications.
About UltraCMOS™ Technology
UltraCMOS™ mixed signal process technology is a proprietary, patented variation of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. It is the first commercially qualified use of Ultra-Thin-Silicon (UTSi®) on sapphire substrates with high yields and competitive costs. Significant performance advantages exist over competing processes such as GaAs, SiGe, BiCMOS and bulk silicon CMOS in applications where RF performance, low power and integration are paramount.
About Peregrine Semiconductor
Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets high-performance communications ICs for the wireless, broadband cable communications, satellite and defense markets. The Company, which recently moved its headquarters to a larger San Diego, California facility, maintains established design centers and operations in Chicago, IL; Aix-en-Provence, France; Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan. Additional information is available on the web at psemi.com. Contact Peregrine’s worldwide distribution partner, Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL), for sales information at 1-800-737-6937.
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The Peregrine Semiconductor name, logo and UTSi are registered trademarks and Ultra CMOS is a trademark of Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.